About Cirque Guides
Cirque Guides is a small, guide-owned mountain guide service operating throughout the San Juan Mountains, with authorization to guide at both the Ouray Ice Park and the Ouray Via Ferrata. Built and run by a tight team of career guides — including IFMGA- and AMGA-certified professionals — the company brings decades of combined experience to a boutique operation that prizes personal attention over volume.
Their program spans the full alpine spectrum. In winter they lead guided ice climbing and instructional courses at the Ice Park and on remote backcountry ice, as well as backcountry and hut-based ski trips and ski-mountaineering objectives that chase summits and couloirs. From spring through fall they run rock climbing, via ferrata outings, and alpine mountaineering ascents of the region's rugged peaks. For committed adventurers, they also offer multi-day expeditions both locally and farther afield.
Because every guide is also an owner or long-time local, Cirque's trips carry a level of craft and accountability that larger outfits struggle to match. Clients are coached, not just shepherded, and itineraries flex to match conditions, ability, and ambition. For climbers and skiers who want a genuinely expert partner in the San Juans, Cirque Guides is a standout choice.
